Review: THE CHER SHOW at Arizona Broadway Theatre

THE CHER SHOW, now playing at Arizona Broadway Theatre through May 31st, understands exactly what audiences are coming to see: not simply the story of Cher’s life, but the spectacle of her becoming Cher. Under the direction and choreography of Kurtis Overby, this polished and energetic production wisely leans into the book’s core strengths: its music, its visual flair, and its celebration of reinvention.

Like the Broadway production, the musical divides Cher into three versions of herself, each representing different periods of her life and career. It is a theatrical device that could easily feel gimmicky, but here it works surprisingly well, largely because the performances connect so naturally with one another.

Dani Kucera’s “Babe” captures Cher in formation, a young woman with a touching mix of self-doubt and determination, bolstered by the unflinching encouragement of her mother. Her full, well-projected voice grounds Cher as a force to be reckoned with and hints at the drive that will define her inevitable rise. Lynzee Foreman brings vitality and emotional clarity to “Lady,” portraying an artist beginning to assert control over both her career and identity. Most commanding is Gabrielle Gore as “Star,” who fully embraces the glamour, confidence, and larger-than-life presence of Cher at the height of her fame. Gore avoids reducing the role to imitation; instead, she captures the attitude and emotional toughness that made Cher such a singular figure.

One of the production’s smartest choices is the pace Overby sets. The show moves quickly and confidently, with fluid transitions and staging that rarely lets the energy dip. That momentum suits the material. Cher’s career has always been defined by constant reinvention, and this production reflects that restless forward motion. At times, the show moves so briskly that some of the emotional moments don’t land as deeply as they might, but the tradeoff is a performance that feels consistently alive and entertaining.

Musically, the production delivers what audiences want: familiar hits performed with energy and style. Songs like “I Got You Babe,” “If I Could Turn Back Time,” and “Believe” generate the biggest moments, not because the show digs deeply into their meaning, but because the cast and creative team understand their emotional connection with the audience. The musical numbers are staged with confidence and visual polish, and Overby’s choreography keeps the production feeling dynamic throughout.

A standout moment comes during the “Dark Lady” number, when Catrina Teresa Contini, ABT’s associate choreographer, is featured in a show-stopping sequence that is breathtaking. Her performance is a flawless, high-energy, sensual display of fluid, precise movement as she glides, twists, and flies through the air before being caught by one of the six male dancers.

The supporting cast contributes strongly to the show’s rhythm and personality. Adam Marino gives Sonny Bono enough charm, ambition, and sleaziness to make the conflicted relationship with Cher feel authentic. Harrison Asher Smith has particular fun in his scenes as Bob Mackie, bringing humor and theatricality to the role. Carolyn McPhee adds warmth and steadiness as Cher’s mother, Georgia Holt, while also delivering an amusing and relatable Lucille Ball. Jack Romero and Jeffrey Kelly effectively fill out the many industry figures and relationships that pass through Cher’s life story.

Visually, the production embraces the glamour audiences expect from a Cher musical. The costumes, lighting, and staging all contribute to the sense of theatrical extravagance without overwhelming the storytelling. The aesthetic is unapologetically maximal with sequins, saturated lighting palettes, rapid costume transformations. The show understands that Cher’s image was never separate from her artistry; it was part of how she communicated strength, individuality, and survival.

If the musical has a limitation, it is one built into the material itself. THE CHER SHOW is ultimately more interested in celebrating Cher’s resilience than examining the emotional cost behind it. Serious moments arrive, but the show rarely lingers on them for long before moving toward the next musical number or visual flourish. Some viewers may want greater emotional depth, but the production’s focus remains clear from beginning to end: this is a celebration, not a revelation.

And as a celebration, Arizona Broadway Theatre’s production succeeds admirably. It delivers strong performances, impressive staging, and the sense of fun and theatricality that audiences expect from a jukebox musical built around one of popular culture’s most enduring stars.

THE CHER SHOW runs through May 31st at:

Arizona Broadway Theatre -- https://www.azbroadway.org/ -- 7701 W Paradise Lane, Peoria, AZ -- 623-776-8400

Photo credit to ABT – L to R: Lynzee Foreman, Gabrielle Gore, Dani Kucera

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